Free Spyware Removal Tools
Spyware removal tools assist with locating and deleting spyware programs installed on your computer without your knowledge. The affect these programs have on computer operation and their increased presence has resulted in computer manufacturers and software companies offering free removal programs.
Spyware Basics
Spyware is a computer software program which is secretly installed on a computer without the user's knowledge. Usually, it is installed simultaneously with a program the user willingly installs.
These programs gather information about the computer's use and the user themselves. Spyware tracks Internet use including the websites visited, as well as personal information such as passwords. It can also change a computer's configurations, for example redirecting web pages or changing the home page settings, and significantly slow a computer's processing. For these reasons, it is considered dangerous.
Software Removal Tools
In response the increasing number of spyware software programs and the problems they can create, many computer manufacturers have developed removal tools. These tools search a computer's directly for unknown or seemingly threatening programs, identify them as such and recommend their removal. The user may then select the programs to delete, which the tool also manages.
There are two main types of removal tools: real-time and on-command. Real-time programs run constantly in the background of a computer, analyzing all incoming data. On-command programs run only when directed to by the user on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.
Many times, spyware removal tools are components of virus software programs. The two run simultaneously, removing both viruses and spyware.
Free Removal Programs
- Spybot Search and Destroy: This free program designed by Patrick Kolla can be downloaded directly from the website or burnt onto CD's. The CD program allows for removal of spyware programs that are tougher to identify. It includes a user's training manual that contains information about the program, how it works and what to look for when directing the program to delete something it detects. It also offers updates.
- Ad-Aware: Provided by Lavasoft, the free version of this program provides users with basic spyware, Internet security and anti-virus protection. The company also offers upgraded programs for a fee. Updates for the free program are available, also for free, on a regular basis.
- Windows Defender: Developed by Microsoft, this free program offers real-time protection for all authentic Windows 2003 and subsequent operating systems. Users can request that updates be automatically installed.
- Spyware Terminator: This program provides not only spyware protection and removal, but also antivirus protection and removal. It is free and has been downloaded more than three million times. The software is available for personal and business use. Updates are free and can be scheduled for automatic installation when available. Scans can be schedule or run in real-time.
Protect Against Future Spyware
While you may not be able to completely prevent spyware on your computer, you can significantly decrease its occurrence. After removing spyware from your computer, consider other actions to protect against future invasions. Microsoft recommends using a firewall and regularly updating spyware software removal programs to ensure as few programs as possible install themselves on your machine.
Choose Your Program
Although most free spyware programs operate the same way, not all may suit your needs. If you need to protect your computer against viruses, consider downloading a free program that combines virus and spyware protection. Check reviews and investigate the company's background prior to choosing a program. This will ensure that the developer is legitimate and that the program works as promised.
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